Instructor Class Description

Special Topics in Education

Class description

The purpose of the course is to encourage you to think deeply about other venues besides schools in which teaching and learning about science occurs. We will be visiting up to five different informal learning institutions/sites to learn about their programs and how they serve their various audiences. To augment our experiences at these institutions/sites, we’ll examine portions from the publication, Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits.

Student learning goals

* experience "designed spaces" in informal settings and understand how these settings can support science learning

* become familiar with science programs - for both children and adults - offered at informal learning institutions

* reflect on the differences between informal learning settings and formal learning settings and how each contributes to children's understandings of science concepts

Our first and last sessions will be held on campus from 9:00 - noon. These dates are: June 25 and July 18. We will also meet from 10:00 - 3:00 on the following dates June 27, July 2, 9, 11, 16. These all-day sessions will be field trips to sites such as the Pacific Science Center, the Woodland Park Zoo, the Seattle Aquarium. We will experience the programs they offer and some behind-the-scenes experiences as well. There will be additional costs (probably about $60) for entry fees to the sites and for parking. You MUST attend all sessions in order to receive credit.

Recommended preparation

None.

Class assignments and grading

In addition to participation at the institutions that are hosting us, you are required to participate in on-line discussions. You will also prepare and share a final project that will be useful to you in the future. This sharing will occur at our last class session on July 18. Describe:
• how these institutions have designed their spaces to support science learning.
• the major ways these institutions’ programs and activities differ from science experiences students have in formal education settings.
• how these institutions contribute to life-long learning about science concepts.
• how you will use the information you gather from our visits to augment your teaching if you are a teacher. If you are not a teacher, how you will use the information to further learning with others that you know.

Participation in all aspects of the course: participation in all sessions, on-line discussions, final project.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Carole Ann Kubota
Date: 04/28/2013

Office of the Registrar
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Modified:April 23, 2014